I have a neighbor, he lives down the street

I see him daily but have no time to meet

I pass every morning and he gives a nod and a stare

I don’t know his name, but he is always there

He likes to dress warm and keep his hair long

 A bushy shaggy beard I still see nothing wrong

But kids will pass and shout out vulgar names

He turns a blind eye; he has no time for games

He has a consistent daily routine second to none

I don’t have that commitment, not even for fun

Nothing breaks his habit, morning, noon or night

Does he have a job, a family? Something’s not right

We have a relationship where words aren’t spoken

A tip of the hat, and a smile that’s a little broken

I’d like to talk to him and hear his opinion on life

What does he like? Does he have kids or even a wife?

Three years have past and I still don’t know his name

My mind is curious, I have to ask or no one else to blame

I will ease my mind and ask at the end of today

It’s a simple question, what’s your name ill say

I’m almost home and my neighbor is nowhere in sight

I went to the house where he stood, morning, noon and night

Where is that man? I asked the lady who answered the door

She softly responded, he passed away just an hour before

I’m sorry to hear, was he a brother, friend or maybe more?

I honestly don’t know; but he’s lived in my ally since 94

 My mind would never get the answer to what it sought

Sadness filled my heart for the lesson I was taught

The lady then told me that they did have their chats

About weather and neighbors and even her cats

He was a wise old man with stories to tell

Some were very sad and He didn’t do so well

It was back in 94’ he had a wife and 2 kids

It was in this very house where they all lived

He received a raise and bought a new car for his wife

How could things be better they had an awesome life

Lets go for a ride she said; her excitement couldn’t hide

We’ll take the kids with you and ill wait here outside

She wasted no time, and put the kids in the car

I’ll be right back she said, we wont go too far

Time was passing and he was getting worried

Minutes became hours why was it so hurried

Three hours passed, his legs weak he could barely stand

That’s when he was approached by a uniformed policeman

The Policeman said I have some news that’s not easy for me to say

He got a lump in his throat; you could see his brown hair turn gray

There was a bad accident about a mile from here

No one survived, including your family so dear

The man lived here in this house for as long as he could

Not able to work he lost this house, he knew he would

I purchased this house and he only had one clause

Let me stay on the property, I have just cause

I will stand here daily waiting outside 

My wife and kids just went for a ride

I can’t wait to see the loving look in their eye

I will wait for them forever, till the day I die

We need not to look at other people from afar with a scope

Instead look a little closer and see a person with passion and hope